Activities at Mahana Lodge

If rest and relaxation is what you seek, you can simply lie in a hammock, read a book in the warmth of the shared guest lounge or sit on the veranda of the old homestead with a glass of wine as the sun goes down over the Marlborough Sounds. The sweeping Mahana beach is also wonderful for beachcombing. There are many treasures - shell fish, crabs, unusual stones and shells, strange shaped driftwood – which are to be found on the beach and around the rocks at low tide. And don’t forget to pack your bathers. The beach at Mahana is sandy and safe – and it is never crowded. For those seeking more adventure or with longer to spend, the following are fantastic things to do while you are staying with us at Mahana Lodge.

Queen Charlotte Track

Mahana Lodge offers accommodation at the end of the second day for those walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track. We are also a great base for visitors wishing to experience day walks or bike rides of the Queen Charlotte Track without completing the entire 70km trail. We can arrange your track package – just ask us!

Walking & Mountain Biking

Two popular trips are to the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout and return (5-6 hours walk; 3 hours bike) which affords stunning views across the Marlborough Sounds or to Furneaux Lodge, around the head of Endeavour Inlet, (3-4 hours walk; 2 hours bike), before boating back across the inlet to Mahana. We recommend Eatwell’s as a mountain bike ride for intermediate to experienced bikers and Mahana to Furneaux Lodge for novice to intermediate riders.

Mt Stokes

Mt Stokes is the highest point in the Marlborough Sounds and the view from the top is simply breath-taking. We can deliver you to the start of the walking track, about 6km along the Kenepuru Road from Mahana. The trail follows a marked route rather than a formed track like the Queen Charlotte Track and it takes about three hours to reach the top. Return time to Mahana is around five to six hours.

Kayaking

In calm weather, the beautiful bays and coves of Endeavour Inlet are wonderful to explore by kayak. You will find deserted beaches, native bush down to the water’s edge and wildlife in abundance including sea birds and sometimes even dolphins. Our sit on top courtesy kayaks are designed for a short paddle around the nearby coast. We have life jackets and will give you advice on where to go and safety instructions.

Fishing

A visit to the Marlborough Sounds isn’t complete without trying your luck at fishing. Blue cod, by far the most common fish, is a local delicacy although bans do apply from September to December for conservation reasons. We have plenty of rods available whether you want to cast a line from the jetty or take the row boat further out into the bay. We have life jackets and will give you advice and safety instructions. Bait is on the house!

Glow Worm Grotto

There is a magical glow worm grotto at Mahana just 20 metres behind the lodge. Take a walk after dark, follow the path and find yourself gazing at a myriad of stars twinkling at you across the stream. We’ll tell you all about the fascinating life cycle of the glow worm!